A Forest of Basil...

     Basil, Basil everywhere, Basil basil in my hair... just kiddin'

     Brushing past a forest of Basil, the aroma just shouts out, "I'm here!" It seems that Basil is of indefinite nature.
     Bees are happy to linger awhile to harvest the pollen hidden from them.
Maybe to indemnify honey to those who collect, or to keep it for themselves secretly.
         Early morning and late afternoon birds hover around to be the first to get the seeds to munch on...

     On to a new batch of Basil Jelly to share on the feast of Basil...

*Basil Jelly Recipe
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Basil-Jelly

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
• 3 drops green food coloring, optional
• 5 cups sugar

Directions

• In a large saucepan, bring water and basil to a boil. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain and discard basil. Return 3-2/3 cups liquid to the pan. Stir in pectin and food coloring if desired. Return to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the sugar. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the
• heat; skim off foam.
• Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. head space. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water canner. Yield: 6 half-pints.

Early White Bush Scallops


     If anyone has recipes to share, I would love to know of them.. I am gathering some for the hopes of having a really good harvest of these little cuties...

At least this is what I hope I get!!!

     Now, I know that this picture is the picture that has aphids.... but these plants are doing awesome so far!!!! Well at least I think.. White Flies now, are moving in!
     I used Naturia the organic insecticidal soap... So far, So good... that was like on Sunday evening. Once a week, even twice a week for the real bad infestations... I think that is me...

This recipe is one that reads deliciously...

SQUASH PATTIES ---
http://www.recipetips.com/recipe-cards/t--159947/squash-patties-10.asp

- 4 sliced squash - 1 onion, chopped (small) - 1 tablespoon chopped green pepper - 1 cup flour - 1/2 cup Milk - 1 egg, beaten - 3 tablespoons salad oil - 1 tablespoon sugar

Combine squash, onion and green pepper. Add water to cover. Cook over medium heat until tender. Drain. Add flour, milk, egg, oil and sugar, mixing well. Drop by rounded tablespoons into deep hot oil. Fry until browned. Makes about 10 - 12 patties.

Bell Peppers

   Long time of waiting for these yummy green and red peppers... I am finally getting a wonderful amount.. The Heat was a huge factor for them to not to produce...

 Today it is 9:35 a.m. and it is 86 degrees... Finally, I think that we are getting a break from the triple digits... Hoorayyy!!!

   The abundance of peppers is coming, and they are beautiful... I have a small harvest, I think that I am going to try this recipe.  They are kind of small, but I have a few so that will make up for the amount.

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 1/2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the whole red, green and yellow peppers in the oven directly on the rack. Roast for about 15 minutes, turning if needed, until the skin is well scorched. Immediately place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in a paper bag, and allow to cool.
2. Remove the skins from the peppers by rubbing with your hands, and rinse under cold water. Cut in half, remove stem and seeds, then cut into strips.
3. Place peppers into a medium serving bowl, and stir in the garlic, vinegar, oil, basil, parsley, salt and pepper.   

Cabbage... Orient Express...

Cabbage Sprouts!!!

      
     Look what has sprouted!!!! Cabbage... I have no idea how to grow this, but I guess I will learn Huh!!!

The one thing that is a bit irritating,... Learning how to get things you are unfamiliar with, to grow!!!  

Hopefully this is what I will get tooo.....

   **Burpee Tips...
    
     Small, oblong heads average about 22 oz. Very solid interior, leaves are smooth, nicely blanched with a crisp texture and sweet, peppery flavor. Ready to harvest about 43 days after seeding. GARDEN HINTS: Avoid planting in garden area where any of the cabbage family grew the year before. Stands light frost. Grows best in cool weather and full sun.

 
     BUT... Guess what else... The Okra, is peeking through too...

    I didn't take a picture yet! The next day will be better...

***Burpee Tips
      Okra plants emerge in 14-21 days. Thin to strongest seedling when plants are 1-2" high. Provide plants with 1-1 1/2" of water weekly. Grow okra in a different place every year to avoid problems with pests and diseases.  Pick when young every 2-3 days for a long harvest.


BHG's

     I have some hope.. Look at the little wanna be's 

     I have a bunch of these but nothing seems to want to take off and grow... I have still one month to see what's up!!!